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Reviewed / Jon Chan
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Credit:
Reviewed / Jon Chan
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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This highly efficient Energy Star-certified washer-dryer combo comes with a large mold-resistant drum, high-end features, and an excellent warranty. Read More
A moderately priced washer-dryer combo with a few special features like steam sanitize and an automatic detergent dispenser. Read More
The first vented washer-dryer combo from Samsung makes this unit stand out with its speed in drying capabilities. Read More
This ventless washer-dryer combo features advanced technology, a sleek design, and a large capacity. Read More
We noticed beautiful design but poor build quality in this LG all-in-one. It washes effectively but its dryer isn't as effective as GE and Samsung models. Read More
Washing machines and dryers have been part of American life for more than a century, and we’ve come to generally prefer the washing and drying capabilities of separate machines over the combo units popular in Europe. However, a washer-dryer combo is much more efficient and space-saving—no load transfers required.
Thankfully, several manufacturers now make a washer-dryer combo that meets all our laundry expectations. So, if you’ve ever used an all-in-one washer-dryer in Europe or the UK and complained that clothes didn’t get clean or dry, you can shop this list with newfound wonder, because none of these machines have that problem!
What’s even better? Most of these all-in-one washer-dryer combos are ventless so they can go just about anywhere a water hook-up is available. Most combos run on 110V power, and use condenser or heat-pump system that dries your laundry without requiring an outside vent, so if you don’t have room for a laundry center or can’t install a dryer vent, you can still consider one of these combo units.
To help you find the best washer-dryer combo, we’ve tested and researched all the latest models. Our stand-out favorite so far is the GE Profile PFQ97HSPVDS Ventless All-In-One (available at Abt for $2,194.00) for its efficiency and large capacity.
We loved the GE Profile PFQ97HSPVDS' useful cycles and energy efficiency.
Extremely energy efficient
Great warranty
Smart features
Heavy dryer loads may require additional drying time
The GE GFQ14ESSNWW is a compact all-in-one washer-dryer combo that fits just about anywhere.
Solid performance
1-year warranty
Steam mode
Slow drying if overloaded
The Samsung WD90F53AVS is a vented washer-dryer combo that brings together the best in convenience and speed.
Advance technology
All-in-one design
Large capacity
Vent requirements limits placement
The Samsung WD53DBA900HZ ventless washer-dryer combo bring modern smart features and sleek styling to the all-in-one washer-dryer category.
Large capacity
Advanced AI-supported tech
Ventless design
Heavy dryer loads may require additional drying time
Effective washer
Ventless design
Less effective dryer with long dry times
A washer-dryer combo is right for a household where a dryer vent isn’t feasible, or for anyone who can trade patience for energy efficiency and sustainability. The best washer-dryer combos are an achievement of engineering that can often eliminate the need for a laundry room. However, most washer-dryer combos are capable of less volume and speed than a traditional washer and dryer set.
All-in-one washer-dryer combos are designed not only to save space but to streamline laundry by eliminating the need to transfer loads between machines.
Generally, we recommend combos for couples or single people living in smaller homes. Families, or anyone who often dries larger batches of clothing should carefully consider whether washer-dryer combos are capable of the volume that they require.
Size and Configuration: Measure before you buy. Newer combo units have a larger capacity, which also means a larger footprint, than traditional compact models. They’re great for accommodating larger loads, but may not fit everywhere. If you only have space for a compact model, take into consideration the smaller drum size and adjust your laundry expectations accordingly. If you have closet space for a stackable unit, but no venting capabilities, you can also consider a compact ventless dryer to go with a standard compact washer.
Electrical Needs: Most ventless washer-dryer combos are made to plug into a standard, grounded 120-volt outlet. That’s great for ease of placement and installation, but means less power to the machine. Don’t get impatient; most of these hybrids work well, but they dry more slowly and in smaller volumes than traditional units. According to GE, electric dryers on a 120-volt circuit instead of a 240-volt circuit, can have drying times as much as three times longer.
Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star ratings and models with heat pump technology for lower long-term utility costs.
Smart Features: Modern combo units offer app connectivity, AI-driven fabric sensors, auto detergent dispensing, and maintenance alerts. These can improve convenience and care for clothes.
Noise and Vibration: If your laundry area is near living spaces, check for vibration reduction features. Some combos can be noisy during spin or drying cycles.
If you have limited space or no outside venting ability, a washer-dryer combo is far better than no in-home laundry at all. A combo unit typically dries slower than a traditional dryer, and this tradeoff might very well be worth it but it’s important to manage your expectations. For them to be effective, most washer-dryer combos will require that you spend some time learning both their accomplishments and their limitations—once you do, most of these units can be made to do a great job.
Even though washer-dryer combos take longer to complete the full wash-dry cycle, they also eliminate the inconvenience of manually moving your laundry from your washer and into your dryer, meaning you can walk away from the whole task for even longer.
The first part of the equation—the washer—works exactly like the washers you’re used to. It’s the addition of the dryer function that significantly changes the engineering of these machines.
Most likely, when you think of a dryer you think of a classic American vented dryer. These dryers work by heating air from the room they inhabit and blowing it across tumbling clothes. This hot air is then vented and blown outdoors.
Most washer-dryer combo units use a ventless dryer system, which doesn’t use an external vent. With nowhere to vent hot air to, ventless dryers instead use a different principle: condensation.
Ventless condenser dryers work by passing warm air through the laundry tub, they then use a coolant to condense moisture from the air. This condensation is then usually stored in a reservoir. Once the reservoir is full, it needs to be removed and drained.
Some of the best washer-dryer combos are condensing units that use a system called a heat pump. These efficient systems use refrigerative condensers that achieve very cold temperatures. Think of a heater and an air-conditioner working hand in hand to wick the moisture out of your clothes. Unlike traditional condensing dryers, they don’t exchange much heat with the surrounding room, yielding superior efficiency.
Since similarly engineered air conditioning units are often considered energy hogs, it may seem counterintuitive that a system that uses a more powerful condenser would have superior energy efficiency. However, heat pump systems achieve just that, recycling the internal air of the dryer repeatedly to yield maximum drying efficiency.
Washer-dryer combos work similarly to standard laundry machines. Most allow you to select from multiple wash and dry cycles for different soil levels and load types. Many machines will select the appropriate dry cycle based on your wash load.
Often these machines are more capable of washing laundry in a reasonable time than they are of drying that same amount of laundry in the amount of time we typically expect. So we recommend that you should begin with a small load and pay careful attention not to overload your machine.
Over time, you will learn how long different types of clothes and household items take to dry and what size loads work best for your machine.
For specific instructions, we highly recommend that when you invest in a new washer-dryer combo unit, you thoroughly read the instruction manual, since most of us will bring habits we’ve picked up from standard washers and dryers that won’t apply to these new machines.
Yes. Generally, these units are much more energy-efficient than traditional washers and dryers, while the best washer-dryer combos are drastically so. Heat pump models save even more energy than traditional condensers.
According to Energy Star the estimated energy usage of the GE Profile PFQ97HSPVDS is less than one fourth of the energy usage of an Energy Star certified traditional dryer, the LG DLEX3700W—which doesn’t even figure in the energy usage of its paired washer.
Not only do we perform repeatable, scientific tests on the washers and dryers we review, but we also evaluate the usefulness of the extra features and the usability of the interface. With all of this extensive evaluation, we can tell you which products will clean best plus save you time and headaches.
There are so few full-size washer-dryer combos on the US market, so the experts all tend to agree on the top models. To save you some time and trouble, we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you.
User comments around the topic of best washer-dryer combo display the typical vitriol of putting up with laundry day. It’s important to know what you’re getting into with a washer-dryer combo. We’re pulling these user reviews from some of the largest consumer sites and appliance retailers.
Beyond the overall complaints about lengthy drying times, which is a standard function of all ventless dryers, most customers who invest in a washer-dryer combo that performs well are happy with their purchase.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
Gabriel Morgan
Staff Writer, Home
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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